Victoria &Philippe
A vegan wedding in Croatia
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can pull off a vegan wedding in Croatia, even at a non-vegan venue, Victoria and Philippe’s day is proof that it’s absolutely possible. Their celebration brought together coastal sunshine, plant-forward dining, thirty loved ones, and their tiny rescue chihuahua who travels everywhere with them. As a wedding and elopement photographer working across Europe, days like this remind me why intentional, values-driven celebrations matter so deeply.
Updated: November 30, 2025
Meet Victoria & Philippe: A Nomadic, Values-First Love Story
Victoria is originally from British Columbia. Philippe grew up in Quebec. Today, they share a nomadic life across South America and are soon headed to Mexico for their next chapter. Their chihuahua comes along for every adventure, small enough to fit comfortably on buses, boats, and family hugs.
Their relationship has always been shaped by travel, ethical choices, and a slow, meaningful approach to life. A traditional wedding venue never felt like them. A coastal micro wedding in Croatia surrounded by their favourite people? Perfect.
Croatia captured them with its warm September weather, clear Adriatic water, and laid-back energy. They wanted a place where they could gather friends and family in a relaxed, seaside setting without losing sight of what mattered most: intention, sustainability, and enjoying a fully vegan celebration.
Mid-September in Croatia is ideal. The heat softens, the water is still warm, and the summer crowds thin just enough to breathe.
With the help of their planner, Victoria and Philippe stayed at Villa Marina, a quiet and welcoming place where everyone could gather, talk, and slip in and out of the pool between moments. It also became the setting for one of the sweetest parts of the entire day: their first look.
A Heartfelt First Look With Their Travelling Pup
The first look took place beside the villa’s pool, the water reflecting soft morning light. Philippe stood waiting, taking deep breaths, listening to the quiet hum of conversations happening inside.
Victoria didn’t just walk out alone. Their chihuahua, dressed adorably for the moment, became the unofficial star of the reveal. Philippe’s reaction - part laughter, part tears - set the emotional tone for the rest of the day.
For many vegan and values-first couples, pets are family. With planning and travel-friendly gear, it’s absolutely possible to include them safely, even abroad.
Their ceremony took place near the marina. With just thirty guests, the atmosphere felt warm and grounded. Their chihuahua served as the ring bearer, happily trotting down the aisle and delighting everyone.
The Adriatic stayed calm, the sky clear. It was one of those effortless mid-September afternoons when time slows in the best way.
Vegan Wedding Dining in Croatia: Yes, It’s Absolutely Possible
Victoria and Philippe hosted their aperitif and dinner at Hotel Marinus. Although the hotel typically offers only one vegan option, their team went above and beyond, creating a fully custom vegan menu for the entire wedding.
Many guests weren’t vegan, but everyone agreed the food was rich, flavourful, and beautifully presented. A few left surprised, pleasantly, by how satisfying plant-based dining can be.
You don’t need a fully vegan venue to create a plant-forward celebration abroad. Most European hotels are willing to collaborate if you communicate early, share inspiration, and explain why it matters.
Sunset Portraits by the Sea
As golden hour approached, the three of us snuck away for a quiet portrait session along the coast. We just made the last of the light before the sun slipped behind the mountain. We got to watch the warm glow fade across the rocky terrain and slowly turn the sky pink into the blue hour.
Planning a Vegan Wedding Abroad: What Victoria & Philippe Prove
Their celebration is a perfect reminder that you can absolutely:
• Have a vegan wedding abroad, even at a non-vegan venue
• Bring your pets along with care
• Keep things small and meaningful
• Blend travel with values
• Trust local teams to adapt menus and experiences
Adventure weddings don’t always mean mountaintops or long hikes. Sometimes they look like living your truth in a coastal village with your favourite people.
Vegan Wedding in Croatia FAQ
Can you have a fully vegan menu at a non-vegan venue in Croatia?
Yes. It can be tough to find, but some venues are open to creating custom plant-based menus with advance notice. You can also hire vegan chefs to come cook for you. Your planner and/or photographer should be able to help you with this.
Is Croatia good for vegan travellers?
It's definitely possible to find vegan options in all the hotspots. It gets a little harder if you go somewhere less visited.
Can small destination weddings include pets?
Absolutely. If a couple is coming on an airline that lets their pet sit with them, they will often bring their fur-baby.
Is mid-September a good time for a Croatia wedding?
It’s one of the most beautiful months: warm, sunny, and calmer than peak summer.
Ready to Plan Your Own Vegan Wedding Abroad?
If you’re dreaming of a vegan wedding abroad or an intentional micro celebration somewhere in Europe, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Schedule a call or send an inquiry to start planning your day.
Vendors
Photography: @shawnaraephotos
Planner: @bookyourdreamwedding
Video: Axel (husband of @bookyourdreamwedding)
HMUA: @annamarie_make_up
Villa: Villa Marina
Reception: Hotel Marinus
© Shawna Rae Photography 2025
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